Need a meeting location in MI

[MadKat]

I am looking for a place for my girls (Maddie -rescue and Katerina-rescue)to meet a potential rescue dog. I need a place between Dearborn and Ionia (Grand Rapids) Michigan. The behaviorlist for the rescue said my girls need to meet the other rottie in an enclosed (gated area) off leash. I would preferr a dog park but she recommended a baseball field or tennis court. Any recommendation would be welcome.

[TrinityRun]

I can't help with the original question but hope it's alright to ask a separate one.

Why are the three dogs required to meet off leash? (I understand the neutral property). Could you offer some more details?

[MadKat]

I was not going to go into a long story but since you asked ……
The new rescue had a problem with a female chow at one of the foster homes. She has not shown any aggression toward any other female/male dog. My understanding is that this happened prior to her hip replacement surgery. I know that the pain in a hip can be transferred as anger towards another dog. My Katerina had hip replacement surgery back in May. Prior to her surgery, when she was playing with my other resuce, Maddie (who wouldn’t hurt a fly), she would get angry when the play got a little rough (the way rotties play).
So we want to make sure that Carley (new rescue) is fine with my girls before I take her home an it does not work out. This was recommended by a behaviorist that the rescue group works with.

Barbara

“Maddie Sue” 3 year old Rottweiler -rescued
“Katernia” 1 ½ year old Rottweiler – rescued
“Vilma the Rottweiler” waiting at the bridge

[TrinityRun]

Understood. But why off leash? It would seem all the more necessary for them to be on leash, no?

[moondog]

I've found a good way to make introductions with my dog is to take the dogs for a leashed walk, one handler per dog. The dogs get to do a very short sniff of each other and then off we go for a walk. By the time we come back, they already have established some familiarity even though there has been almost no direct interaction between them and we have some idea what they think of each other. I actually think this increases the chances they will be accepting of each other.

I'd hesitate to introduce all three of them at the same time, unleashed. It could become a 2 on 1 pretty easily which would put the new dog on the defensive.

[TrinityRun]

Originally posted by moondog
I'd hesitate to introduce all three of them at the same time, unleashed. It could become a 2 on 1 pretty easily which would put the new dog on the defensive.

;)

[ILoveRotts]

I agree with the behaviorist that they should meet off leash.

However, and I'm sure this is planned. You should introduce the new dog to 1 dog at a time and if that goes well then introduce all 3 together. Moondog is correct if there is a problem your 2 could "gang" up on the other dog. Also, it could be too overwelming for the rescue to meet 2 at 1 time. Having them meet separately gives both dogs time to great and interact.


Good luck! I hope it works out.

[mmgy]

Any dog training schools or kennel clubs in that area??

[Miabella]

Originally posted by moondog
I've found a good way to make introductions with my dog is to take the dogs for a leashed walk, one handler per dog. The dogs get to do a very short sniff of each other and then off we go for a walk. By the time we come back, they already have established some familiarity even though there has been almost no direct interaction between them and we have some idea what they think of each other. I actually think this increases the chances they will be accepting of each other.

Moondog, this is my favorite way to introduce a new dog into the group. Works like a charm.

[MadKat]

They will be meeting one at a time. Not as a two on one. I can certainly try the leashed walk if it is agreeble to the foster mom. I really want this adption to work out.
I still need a place for us to meet though....Anyone have any ideas of a place this will work

[LavenderRott]

Lots of high schools have tennis courts. I know that Holly High School has one. Your best bet for that would be on a Sunday afternoon.

[Carina43]

Don't have any specific locations in mind...high schools are usually good. You might also just find a park or greenbelt area - with the weather we're having right now, there probably won't be too many other people and dogs out & about!

And ditto on the long loose leash/informal walk approach. I've always found that to work best.

Good luck!

[brunie's mom]

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this.....but...I really have to wonder about this rescue group.
Why would they even be thinking of adding another female when you have two already????

Having two females together is not always easy....you are very lucky that your two get along together:)

This new dog that you want to meet, already has proven that she does not get along with a female dog.
They may get along fine for the "meet and greet" in the park or school yard....but as soon as she gets comfy and settled in your home...things may change!!!:(

Others on this forum will tell you some horror stories about female dogs fighting, and even killing one another...dogs that have gotten together for years...and then one day..."bam"..they hate each other.

In my opinion you do not need to add another female to the mix....a male rescue would be a better choice.

Gina